Timestamp: Monday, October 15, 2007
Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Image, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
The E320 Bluetec has the honor of being the “First clean Diesel in CA” as we learned at a press conference at Smashbox Studios headed by Ernst Lieb, President and CEO for Mercedes-Benz USA. Apparently the Governor – that would be Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger agrees. He sent MB a congratulatory letter of support sanctioning the E320.
MB has been making diesels since the 1036 when they debuted the 260D.
Diesel vehicles attained popularity, a big plus being their long lifespan. On the minus column was their annoying lack of acceleration and a smoky exhaust. These problems caused the diesel passenger car to fall out of fashion.
As in the world of fashion, cars too can be cyclical in terms of popularity. Thanks to Mercedes Benz’ initiatives, the diesel is back in vogue.
The new E320 does away with past problems; it reduces fuel consumption AND has passed California’s stringent emission standards. In fact, according to Consumer Reports [famed for its impartiality] the MB E320 is cleaner than the comparable Lexus in its class.
Like the Fashion Models who are walking the shows this week, the E320 has some vital statistics of its own.
VITAL STATS:
3.01 displacement
208 hb
400 lb.ft
35 mpg.
How it handles: For such a solid car, it’s surprisingly nimble and easy to drive. Needless to say, the drive is as smooth as silk.
Price tag: $55,500, a mere $1,000 more than the gasoline model and the knowledge you’re doing something good for the environment.
If all this wasn’t enough to get you interested, Mercedes is offering a special two-year lease, 24,000 miles as an incentive.
It’s apparent to us that MB is making a serious commitment to eco-technology but you won’t have to compromise on either luxury or size. The team at Mercedes does not believe that the small car is the road to the future. We look forward to test-driving the Bluetec Hybrid when it launches in 2010. At 46 mpg, how could you resist?
More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.